The UK-based dancers will perform two dances – ‘Without Stars’ and ‘There We Have Been’ – which are inspired by Japanese author Haruki Murakami’s novel ‘Norwegian Wood’. Here is a synopsis of the book:

Toru, a quiet and preternaturally serious young college student in Tokyo, is devoted to Naoko, a beautiful and introspective young woman, but their mutual passion is marked by the tragic death of their best friend years before. Toru begins to adapt to campus life and the loneliness and isolation he faces there, but Naoko finds the pressures and responsibilities of life unbearable. As she retreats further into her own world, Toru finds himself reaching out to others and drawn to a fiercely independent and sexually liberated young woman.

James Cousins takes the themes of love, loss and friendship from the Japanese story to create emotionally-charged performances.